New Port Richey Pharmacist Federally Indicted

A New Port Richey area pharmacist is being federally indicted on the accusation that he filled fraudulent Oxycodone prescriptions for suspected drug dealers.

Authorities unsealed Monday the indictment charging Edward Benjamin Alister Beckles, 59, with one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute Oxycodone and one count of possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone while acting outside the course of professional practice.

Beckles worked out of on Rowan Road in the New Port Richey area. he is owner and operator there.

The case is under investigation by the federal drug enforcement administration and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Beckles a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal proson for each charge, if convicted.

According to a press release, Beckles allegedly filled fraudulent prescriptions between August 2009 through January 2012. It is believed that 17 individuals indicted presented fraudulent prescriptions at the pharmacy. Those indictments of 17 people.

Sheriff Chris Nocco said Monday that all these connected people “knew they could go to that pharmacy, and there would be no questions asked.”

Nocco said Beckles allegedly sometimes accepted sex as payment.

“He gave good pharmacists a bad name,” Nocco said.